HEARTLAND SHIRAZ LANGHORNE CREEK
2015 saw good winter rainfall offered cover crops for a moisture-retaining mulch throughout the dry spring and summer. The lack of rainfall over the growing period led to lower yields. Summer saw mostly cool temperatures and an early vintage with most of the region’s fruit off by early April. The Langhorne Creek wine region benefits from cooling afternoon breezes from Lake Alexandrina and this season was no exception. The welcome breezes helped keep overnight temperatures down, enabling fruit to maintain natural acidity.
Vinification - The fruit was de-stemmed, crushed and pumped over twice a day for nine days to enhance colour and flavour. Fermentation with a Rhône isolate yeast was at 18°-24°C. Extended maceration resulted in savoury, supple tannins and an approachable palate. The wine matured for 14 months in oak prior to bottling.
The dark colour preempts a wine of dense, layered black fruit. The aromas of anise and cracked pepper are enveloped in classic blackberry. The glass coating texture gives way to freshness on the finish resulting in a fine balance. The structure imparted by oak and skin contact integrates well with the bright, but intense fruit.
